I know – it’s not really a surprise anymore. I work at a letterpress print shop, my guest column called Pretty Paper, and my overal love of mail it is obvious – I love stationery. That’s why I was thrilled to put together some pen pal stationery starter packs for two out of the six early bird signups for the newly launched Postmark Society.
The “Joy” Stationery Starter Pack: Inspired by Joy’s blog, color palette, and love for Rifle Paper Co., I knew I wanted to give her a similar look – without purchasing anything from Rifle – I’m sure she has tons of things! The color story I worked with was black, white, gray, blush, and metallic gold foil.
Smock calendar | Smock labels | In The Clear washi tape + baker’s twine | Paper & Twine gray + pink stationery
The “Kaleigh” Stationery Starter Pack: I could tell Kaleigh isn’t afraid of color. I wanted to play off the green she uses on her blog with a slightly more minty-green palette. I thought about going color crazy but somehow everything fell together in the end. Mint, gray, and metallic gold create the whole look making everything correspond.
Smock calendar | Smock labels | In The Clear washi tape + baker’s twine | Paper & Twine mint + confetti stationery
Just you wait – this week is the National Stationery Show and I am already swooning over the new stationery lines that are debuting. Be still my stationery heart, be still. For sign-ups and details check out the Postmark Society.
*The stationery starter packs were sponsored by Postable. Thank you! xo
Today’s DIY is so easy any affordable that ANYONE can do it. I know what you’re thinking – I’m not an artist. Well, today you don’t have to be. Abstract art is so easy to DIY that no one will know if you suck – especially since we are using mini canvases!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Paint: I used acrylic paint that I already had on hand. Limit your color palette. I stuck with three colors – gold, black, and mint
Mini canvases: I purchased these 6 mini square canvases at Hobby Lobby for $4.99
Double-sided adhesive of your choice
Imagination [or if you're really stumped check out my art board on pinterest!]
I wound up going for polka dots, my urchin turned painting, color blocking, messy strokes, ombré, and geometric shapes. These little canvases are so light that all you’ll need is some double-sided adhesive. I had this around the apartment from when I purchased new bulletin boards for my office. Just pop some adhesive on the back [you won't need a lot - I only used 2 squares per canvas].
The end result? An easy DIY gallery wall with style and personality! I finally decided on the color palette for our bathroom – yes it’s black, gold and mint!
If you try this DIY I would love to see your results! Happy weekend everyone! xo
The other day I stopped and thought, “What would I be doing if I never started blogging?” It’s a question that crosses my mind frequently. When my non-blogger friends ask me what I did on Wednesday afternoon I usually think – well, I sat down and answered some emails, took some new photos, worked on my editorial calendar and wrote a post. Instead of listing all of that jazz out I usually say, “I worked on my blog” or something like that. Now that I have two hobbies [blogging + calligraphy] I could easily spend hours on end by myself. Part of my “Get Personal” month is to bring others into my life. Today’s post is a three parter, so buckle your seats.
[photo by bedsidesign]
The following are all things I have asked myself, wrestled with, and still ponder.
Part One: What are the things that you are afraid of branching out into? Write them down. Picture them in your mind. Tell a friend. I tossed and turned for months before I launched a blog about whether or not I should. I spent even more time pondering the thought of learning calligraphy. Write out your fears. Talk about what might have to change in order for you to make room for them. If you don’t get them out in the open you might always wonder what could have been.
Part Two: What do you feel like you have to be? What idealistic images are you tying yourself to? Where did you come up with them and who but yourself is holding you to them? It’s like this: when I was two-three years old my mom took me to ballet lessons. I was thrilled on the way there. I was ready to be a ballerina. When I got there my little ego was rocked! We weren’t on the stage. There wasn’t an audience. I actually had to practice? When my teacher told my mom I was losing my mind my mom couldn’t figure out why. It was because I built up this idea that I would be the greatest ballerina on stage and when it came down to it I was impatient and unrealistic. Okay, okay I was two or three but still. I know I still do this so maybe you do too? Remember there’s only one Y-O-U in this great big world so don’t try to be anyone else.
Part Three: What are you putting ahead of yourself? On the outside it may seem like spending money to learn a new hobby may seem selfish. I would say to an extent it is. But, if you are pursuing your passions that might be the time to be slightly selfish. I won’t say one size fits all because everyone has a different set of responsibilities so you’ll have to figure out what works for you.
Now the fun part – if you’re comfortable I’d love to hear your ideas, listen to your fears and encourage you wherever you are in the process.
I’m beyond thrilled that the Postmark Society is officially launching today! I teamed up with Kory Woodard and Kate from Striped Cat Studio to create a pen pal group for bloggers by well, us bloggers. We announced it way back when in April and the response was overwhelmingly exciting! Bloggers from all over the world – with all sizes of blogs – from startups to huge followings joined our group. For this being the first registration I am extremely excited.
Let’s get down to business:
If you signed up before yesterday you will be receiving an email today with your pen pal match-up from either myself, Kate, or Kory. We’ll send you a super cute button that you can feature on your sidebar [only if you want to - but we sure hope you will!] along with your new pen pal’s address. We’re leaving the letter exchange up to you. You and your new BFF get to decide when, how, and who will send the first letter. Make sure to instagram those babies when you receive them and tag #postmarksoc
We are keeping the registration for Postmark Society open. YES YOU HEARD RIGHT! If you’re all sad that you didn’t get a chance to sign up don’t you worry your little blogger heart. If you love sending and receiving thoughtful notes, making new friends, and growing your personal blog community, then P.S. is perfect for you. We’re here to connect you to your next best friend (or maybe even contributor). We will accept new bloggers for the next three months and will match all new participants up! We’ll announce the end date for the second wave of registration but don’t delay. Sign up by entering your address into our Postable address book. If you live outside of the U.S. please feel free to sign up for the Postmark Society. We will do our best to match you up with another international blogger.
*Postmark Society is sponsored by Postable.
Disclaimer: No – I am not pregnant. No little baby Joneses yet. However, my brother and sister-in-law are! They are having a little baby girl and they plan to call her Coral. Yes – can you tell this will be the first time I am Aunt Christie?! I’m pretty excited.
The inspiration: This photo print is so peaceful to me. I love beaches, and this image is so unique. No muss, no fuss – just crisp colors and nature at its best.
The translation: If I were creating a nursery this is how I would style it. Modern, crisp with hints of color. The coral theme would be present but not overly done. Just sweet enough for a sweet little baby.
Get the look!
This is a collaborative series with Striped Cat Studio + java AFICIONADO. Check out their Design Residency posts and follow along with our pinterest!
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